Illegal aliens to be able to join voluntary return programme

Illegal aliens living in the Czech Republic will be able to join a voluntary return programme as of September 2009, an Interior Ministry spokeswoman said on Wednesday. Until now, only foreigners with work permits could apply for such programmes, which provide them with a free plane ticket home and financial assistance. Illegal aliens will however receive no subsidies from the state.

In July and August, the Czech Interior Ministry will launch a campaign to inform people about the possibility. Those who apply will face no sanctions for illegally staying in the country. The People in Need NGO estimates that around 300,000 illegal aliens are currently living in the country.